Thursday March 16th @ The UC Theatre was the Raise the Bay: In Her Voice, a benefit show. It all started with a discussion from the panel powered by Hip Hop for Change from a eclectic and diverse group of women that included Rappers, Realtors, ,Actors, Business owners, leaders of the community, singers, and entrepreneurs.
Raise the Bay: In Her Voice was founded by Shakeea T. Smith aka @officialladysn3ak and Ciera Jevae (Poet Laureate)! The line up for Raise The Bay: In Her Voice included Wanda Gonzalez, motivational speaker Toni Rochelle, comedian Memaw Jankins, Mikeila Janae, Denese Dillihant, Lindsey Leong, and Morgan J. Hosted by the lovely Tatianna Nicole, a realtor, and actor who also performed a monologue, was also apart of the panel.
Talented women, who shared their stories of trials, victories, tribulation and personal plights inside of the UC Berkeley Theatre. Not only was I entertained but I was also inspired. The overall message or theme was just that, a spirit of inspiration permeated throughout the theater. Each artist, female had their own persona, style and talent to offer. one of the most powerful statements I got was from, the host, Tatianna Nicole, she mentioned that "I believe it’s important for women to remind themselves there is so much power to remain true to who they are through their journey."